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Maverick County makes national news again

EPalumni.Com
by Robert Castillo

EAGLE PASS, TX - In a CNN news story, it was pointed out that Maverick County now holds the highest minority birth rate in the entire country. According to their information, 96.8% of all births in Maverick County are attributed to minorities. There was no mention whether other than Hispanics are in the high percentage. Strikingly, this conversely shows that only 3.2% percent are not considered a minority.

Major Player in Fight Against Coal Company Bows Out

The Texas Trubune
by Julián Aguilar
May 16, 2012

In what the leader of an environmental group said was a surprising and stunning blow to an effort to stop a Mexican company from mining coal on the border, an American Indian tribe has backed out of the fight.

The Eagle Pass-based Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas has officially withdrawn its opposition to a permit application filed by the Dos Republicas Coal Partnership, which seeks permission to mine low-grade coal from approximately 6,300 acres of land in the border town. The coal will not be used in Texas, however, but instead shipped to the Mexican state of Coahuila. READ MORE

'Zero tolerance' border policy praised, doubted

Chron.Com
Updated 05:05 p.m., Sunday, May 13, 2012

HOUSTON (AP) — Since December 2005, a golf course on the banks of the Rio Grande has been a laboratory for a U.S. Border Patrol experiment called Operation Streamline.

Before, illegal immigrants tramped across Eagle Pass' fairways and into the hands of Border Patrol agents, knowing they wouldn't face jail.

But now, officials are using a "zero tolerance" policy, prosecuting and imprisoning the illegal immigrant before returning them home as criminal convicts. U.S. Homeland Security officials have credited the experiment with helping drive border arrests to a 40-year low, and the Houston Chronicle (http://bit.ly/JosaPX) reports that immigration hawks want the policy to be extended along the extent of the U.S.-Mexico border. MORE

Asphalt company wants overdue payment from County

EPalumni.Com
by Robert Castillo

EAGLE PASS - Matt Roberts from Asphalt and Fuel Supply Company, LLC, expected payment from Maverick County on August 7, 2011 for asphalt bought by the County but to this day has not been paid. Now months overdue, his company decided to take the matter to court to seek remedy and payment of $23,000.

"We have contacted the County repeatedly about the overdue payment but it has not gotten us anywhere." states Robert. "It left us no choice but to take it to court."

This matter was one of three items scheduled for a County Commissioner's executive session on Monday, May 7th. According to news reports, the purpose cited for the executive session was to discuss two cases being brought against the County for indebtedness and one of discrimination filed by Hector Munoz Mijares.

At this point, it is not known whether the County acknowledges the validity of Asphalt and Fuel Supply Company, LLC claim for payment or whether the purchase was not processed properly. At the center of this issue is the purchase order form which according to Roberts shows the signature of a Judge, County Auditor and a employee by the name of "Jaime "Buzz" Flores.

The County is also considering a second legal case with Ergon Asphalt Company and Emulsions, Inc. supposedly for unsettled debt payment. Ergon Company representatives were not available for interview at this time.

Roberto Ruiz, County Judge David Saucedo's assistant explained that the decision reached on Monday by Commissioner's Court in all cases was to continue negotiations to settle the pending issues. No other details were provided.

Fate....Juan Crosby & Christian Garcia

Attached is a picture of Juan Crosby and Christian Garcia. Juan Crosby had the EPHS record in the shot put in 1970 with a 53’8”. After 42 years Christian Garcia broke this track season Juan Crosby’s record with a throw of 54’1”, since then Christian’s latest throw was at Regional’s with at throw of 60”2” qualifying him for State this coming Saturday. Mr. Crosby had heard about this and had written a very nice letter to Christian congratulating him and wishing him the best. Last Friday, both Juan and Christian were in Laredo. Juan who was passing thru Laredo stopped at the Stripes, noticed people from Eagle Pass and mentioned he used to live in Laredo and mentioned a young man had broken his record. So at that time they told him Christian was there and they were introduced to each other and took the attached picture. This is what I call Fate. Anyway, I wanted to share this with you all. File Story.

Pictured are the incoming 2012-2013 University of Texas at Austin, Student Government Representatives. Isaac Jimenez, (second row, second from right), is an Eagle Pass High School 2009 graduate. He was re-elected to his second term as representative of the University of Texas Student Government. He is the representative for the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas. Isaac is the son of Noe and Teresa Jimenez and the grandson of Juan Carlos Segura and Estela Segura and Reynol Jimenez and the late Alicia Jimenez.

CC Winn Softball team ends its season

EPalumni.Com
by Roberto Castillo
May 4, 2012

SAN ANTONIO - The Eagle Pass CC Winn softball team lost to Edinburg North on Friday with a final score of 2-0 in a one-game area round match which advanced the winner to the regional quarterfinals. CC Winn was unable to score any runs and the Edinburg Lady Cougars took the lead when they scored twice in the sixth innning. This loss eliminates CC Winn from further competition. Photos by SouthSaToday.Com/Robert Castillo. Click on FLICKR to see more photos.

Kids Cafe to get underway in Maverick County

EPalumni.Com
by Robert Castillo
April 19, 2012

EAGLE PASS - In a matter of days the Kids Cafe program will be ready to provide hot after-school meals to children in our community at the Seco Mines Community Center.

David Lopez, the Community Center Director explained that they should be prepared to serve as many as possible but do have an age limit of 7 to 12 year olds. Parents will be expected to drop off their child and pick them up later. Lopez has worked with the youth for the past 10 years and previously worked as the Director of Eagle Pass Parks and Recreation.

According to Lopez, they have a bulding contractor currently making some changes to the center in order to accomodate the food preparation for the Kids Cafe program . The remodeling work should be completed by the end of this month in preparation for the program.

He also added that aside from the hot meal that the program provides, area volunteers from local high schools and colleges will continue to help with the after-school program of tutoring, help with homework and hands-on experience with computers. They are also providing board games. The Center is opened from 3:30pm to 7pm during the week.

The Kids Cafe is a program sponsored by Maverick County, Texas A&M and the Laredo Food Bank.

According to sources in child nutrition, "many children in low-income neighborhoods or rural communities do not receive well-balanced evening meals, either because their parents work late hours or they simply cannot afford good wholesome food. Children must receive proper nutrition in order to develop properly and perform well in school."

"We are very excited about the Kids Cafe program and hope that we have a good turnout." said Lopez. " I will be doing the outreach hoping to inform as many as possible about the program"

Video by kinlkepsnews

KINL/KEPS Radio Hosts 3rd Annual Kids Day Out

Press Release: KINL/KEPS

Posted: Apr 24, 2012

EAGLE PASS - For the third consecutive year, KEPS/KINL radio has teamed up with the City of Eagle Pass Parks and Recreation, Maverick County, and the Eagle Pass Police Department to bring a free event that focuses on the enrichment of our children, inspiring learning through play.

As a valued Kids Day Out tradition, booth fees benefit a selected local non-profit that provides education and positive values to children. This year all monies collected from fees will go to the South Texas Girl Scouts, Eagle Pass Service Unit in order to assist in their worthy goal of educating and empowering our future female leaders while celebrating their 100th birthday.

KEPS/KINL Radio, Eagle Pass Police Department, City Parks and Recreation, and The County of Maverick are proud to put on this activity that has become a fast growing community favorite. Kids Day Out will kick off this Saturday at 10 am with an opening ceremony, including Tejano Music Rising Star Jessica Sanchez singing the National anthem and key note speaker EPISD Superintendent Jesus Sanchez. All children are welcomed to join in on the Kids Parade; which, will be led by the amazing EPHS Drumline and Colorguard at 10:30am. The Border Idol Kids Talent Show, featuring the up and coming show stoppers our city has to offer, will begin at noon. KDO will go on from 10am-3pm at the far end of Maverick County Lake.

Performance standards for STAAR to be phased in

AUSTIN –The commissioner of education today unveiled the performance standards students must achieve to pass or excel on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR™) end-of-course tests.

“These standards will be challenging for our students and will push academic performance to a new level in Texas. Students who pass the STAAR end-of-course assessments will be better prepared for success in the next course or in postsecondary pursuits,” said Commissioner of Education Robert Scott.

Three performance categories have been set for STAAR EOCs. The definitions for the categories are:
READ MORE.

Employee Accused Of Stealing $30 Million From Dixon, IL

Updated: Apr 18, 2012 2:04 PM CDT
By Marcia Lense

The mayor of Dixon, Illinois says it made him sick to his stomach. That's how Mayor James Burke said he reacted when he learned of an alleged wide-scale embezzlement at the hands of a city employee.

Burke read a statement during a news conference Wednesday morning, where members of the media and the Dixon community packed the room.

The case came to light Tuesday afternoon when the city's chief financial officer was arrested.

58-year-old Rita Crundwell faces federal charges accusing her of the misappropriation of more than $30 million since 2006. Crundwell is well-known in the Dixon area for breeding and showing world champion horses. The FBI says she financed that hobby with millions of dollars she embezzled from Dixon taxpayers. READ MORE.

Texas Border Officials to Testify
Before Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee

Eagle Pass Mayor Ramsey Cantu, chairman of the Texas Border Coalition (TBC) and Monica Weisberg-Stewart, chairwoman of the coalition’s Immigration and Border Security Committee, will testify before Texas Senate’s Transportation and Homeland Security Committee on Thursday, April 12.

Mayor Cantu will address inadequate investments in infrastructure, technology and law enforcement personnel at official U.S.-Mexico border crossings as outlined in a new TBC report, “Without Strategy: America’s Border Security Blunders Facilitate and Empower Mexico’s Drug Cartels.” A copy of the TBC report can be found on the TBC website at www.texasbordercoalition.org.

Ms. Weisberg-Stewart will discuss the economic importance of border trade, and what Texas lawmakers can do to help facilitate legitimate trade and travel along the border.

Feds raid Eagle Pass gun shop

San Antonio Express-News
By Guillermo Contreras
Published 02:14 p.m., Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Federal agents raided a gun shop in Eagle Pass this morning and arrested two brothers who run it on charges they conspired with smugglers who bought firearms and ammunition for shipment to Mexico.

The raid by agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — Homeland Security Investigations at Hesles Gun Shop also involved other area law enforcement agencies.

It was the first time in recent memory that the federal government in the San-Antonio-based Western District of Texas has charged the operators of a gun store. The district includes Eagle Pass. READ MORE

Related Item: U.S. Department of Justice Press Release (PDF)

"The Passion" portrayed in Eagle Pass

Young parishioners from Sacred Heart Church in Eagle Pass presented a depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ which is a tradition throughout the world. Photo by LFM

2012 Eagle Pass Friendship Parade

EAGLE PASS - This year's Friendship Parade featured over 100 entries. The parade's route started as usual at St. Joseph's Church, down Ceylon and turned on Main St. towards the downtown area. See photos on FLICKR slideshow by clicking HERE.

County Honors Erasmo Palos' Memory

Epalumni.Com
By Robert Castillo

EAGLE PASS - Many came to honor the memory of Erasmo Palos this past Saturday afternoon and listened to many a testimonial about this local citizen that on March 31, 1968 ; while thousands of miles from Eagle Pass; became a combat casualty in the Vietnam War.

Lance Corporal Palos was killed while serving with the 1st Battalion as an infantryman in the Thua Thien Province.

" Erasmo's young brother recounted how on April 2, representatives from the Defense Department knocked on their door and their mother was there to hear the most dreaded words their mother would hear.

"Please don't tell me that he is dead..please don't tell me he is gone." were the words uttered by Erasmo's mother on that day.

On March 31, 1968 Erasmo Palos who close friends grew up knowing as "Palitos" had served and given the ultimate sacrifice for his country and for the United States Marines.

But on this hot Saturday afternoon those in attendance were present simply to honor him for his service to our country and his community. Aside from family members, present were fellow veterans, County and City officials and countless close friends whom expressed fond memories about Erasmo.

In appreciation for his service to his country, the County honored his memory by christening and naming a newly built baseball facility the "Erasmo Palos Park". The baseball facility is located at the Maverick County Lake.

A highlight of the day of remembrance was the unveiling of the sign bearing Palo's name. See photos on FLICKR slideshow by clicking HERE.

We have received a message from a citizen claiming to represent others in the community that will request a community meeting with our district administration for the purpose of getting updated project information related to the Stadium Project.

Your Turn – March 31, 2012

San Antonio Express-News
Published 04:26 p.m., Friday, March 30, 2012

Save Eagle Pass

America's founding fathers had a vision of an educated and enlightened people in which freedom of thought and informed debate would replace the darkness of ignorance. The alarmist, misinformed and misguided opposition to the proposed coal mine in Eagle Pass reinforces the typical small-town thinking that stifles meaningful commerce. The creation of jobs is never taken into consideration.

Maverick County as well as the city of Eagle Pass are two government entities that lack vision for the future. Neither county nor city “leaders” have stepped out of mediocrity to offer any real direction.

Downtown Eagle Pass shops and eateries are more akin to Third World bazaars and flea markets. The so-called Main Street project is a joke and offers no real solution. Unless Eagle Pass residents wake up from their trance, I fear Maverick County and Eagle Pass will be but a footnote to the rest of the state.

Lucy Easton Clark,
Eagle Pass

Source: http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/Your-Turn-March-31-2012-3448097.php

County Refuses to pay some creditors

In today's issue of the Zocalo, its being reported that the County is refusing to pay creditors that are making claims for payment for services rendered in the past. The County contends that such transactions were not entered into in a proper manner, a fact that the public was fully aware at the time.

The question still remains whether the County is using competitive bidding when required. Some have voiced their concern that individual Commissioners might be entering agreements in the absence of a County central purchasing department. To read entire article click HERE .

The Hector Munoz Jr Park dedicated

EPalumni.Com
by Robert Castillo

EAGLE PASS - A much needed neighborhood park, complete with both baseball and soccer fields has become a reality for residents of Siesta Acres.

But what is most significant about this particular park is the person whose name it will be known for.

On January 1, 2005 as that year was ending, a 11 year youngster stood outside his home with family members nearby. What happened moments later became the saddest day for Maria Teresa Munoz, her husband and daughter.

A vehicle driven by a drunk driver veered into the path where Hector Munoz Jr stood. At the moment, Hector's life ended but his memory lives forever and this past Saturday hundreds immortalized his memory by dedicating this park as the Hector Munoz Jr. Recreational Park. MORE

PLACAS gives back to the community
EPalumni.Com
By Robert Castillo

There is an organization in Eagle Pass that is doing much to dismiss the old day impression that bikers in black leather jacket come to town to cause havoc and fear.

“Ours is an organization that hopefully dispels the old notion of motorcycle clubs” so stated Amy Gonzalez who holds a coordinating position for the national and local chapter of PLACAS Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. “What is unique is the fact that our motorcycles club membership consists of men and women in law enforcement all with the goal of helping our local students with fundraising and ultimately giving scholarships to CC Winn and to Eagle Pass High School. We also donate funds to the Juvenile Diabetes Fund.”

PLACAS had its origin in Eagle Pass approximately five years ago and today consists for over 300 national affiliated members throughout the southwest including Arizona, Del Rio, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso and New Mexico. The local chapter has members that work for law enforcement agencies such as the Eagle Pass Police Department, Constable’s Office, Eagle Pass Fire Departments, Border Patrol, Customs, and the Maverick County Sheriff’s Department, according to the organizations President, David Contreras who himself works for the U.S. Border Patrol.

PLACAS continues to grow in numbers and community service by holding their year round fundraising. “We like to give back to the community we live in” said Amy Gonzalez.

Five year old Sierah Flores (in red) and her little friend are among many others that helped with gaffiti abatement in our community. Adult organizers of Paint My Town are commended for the continued dedication to keeping our town clean. Diana Sanchez received an honorable mention at today,s 100th Paint Our Town event honoring Hector Munoz Jr. in Siesta Acres. Photo by EPalumni.Com

In memory of Linette

EPalumni.Com
by Robert Castillo

EAGLE PASS - Saturday night was a very tragic day for all those that loved and remembered 16 year old Linette Cerezo. It was that morning that she lost her life in a tragic accident when the vehicle she was a passenger in struck a pillar causing her death. Others in the same vehicle survived the terrible accident but suffered serious injuries.

Today, more than 200 friends and students from CC Winn High School came together in a display of affection and remembrance for Linette. Led by the Stampede Yearbook staff, participants came from all grades which included 9th grade thru 12 grade.

Linette is survived by family members including her one month old daughter, Aliyah Cerezo.

The CC Winn Mavericks will be playing Southwest High School baseball team tomorrow evening (Feb 21st) starting at 7pm in Somerset, Texas. Read More - Eagle Pass Sports Central. Photo by R. Castillo

Maverick County residents Martha and George Baxter examine a map of the proposed strip mine. They oppose the Dos Republicas mine.

Coal Export Plan Sparks Pollution Fears at Border

StateImpact
February 2, 2012 | 6:30 AM
By Mose Bucheleas

Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras are seperated by the Rio Grande and the international border. Neither barrier stops air pollution from traveling from one side to the other.
In the rural parts of Maverick County all sorts of things still manage to move unhindered between Mexico and the US. Some welcome, some not. Residents like Rosa O’Donnell recall a day last year when the air was filled with smoke from agricultural fires.
“All the neighbors, we were out on the road driving, trying to drive back and forth down the road until the deputy stopped and said ‘don’t worry the fires are in Mexico,’ O’Donell remembered recently. “Because we were worried.“

These days, smoke from burning fields seems like the least of their concerns. For around 20 years a site for a strip mine has sat essentially unused next door to O’Donnell’s property. The Mexican owners of the Dos Republicas mine are now ready to start digging. They want to ship coal to Mexico and burn it in power plants outside the City of Piedras Negras, right across the border. And while some people in Maverick County welcome the jobs that could bring, many, including city and county governments, are vehemently opposed to it. MORE

Eagle Passan Grant E. Bibb charged with conspiracy

Jan 26, 2012

SAN ANTONIO - A story published today in a San Antonio newspaper, reports that Grant E. Bibb, 40, from Eagle Pass, has been charged with conspiracy to defraud the federal government and is scheduled to go before Chief U.S. District Judge Fred Biery on Monday.

According to the publish report, Bibb and five others allegedly were involved in a scheme where they received $2,000 bonuses for enlisting soldiers thru a recruiting program.

Bibb and others could receive a sentence of up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. MORE.

The Class of 1970 & Friends at Chris Madrids

EPalumni.Com
Webposted: Dec 30, 2011

SAN ANTONIO - Classmates from the Class of 1970 and friends continue to get together and they did it again last night by meeting at the well-known Chris Madrids in northside San Antonio. Throughout the year, this group has met almost monthly in San Antonio. On last night's menu were the famous Machoburger for some.

Some travel from Eagle Pass to San Antonio to meet while others have already relocated and now work or reside in the Alamo City.

It is during this "mixers" that the group often shares life's milestones while at the same time reminisce about the way it was.

The group always welcomes all others that may not necessarily be from the Class of 1970 to join them. They urge anyone that wants to be notified of future gatherings to contact Jane Castillo at janercastillo@yahoo.com.

Vangie and Benito Reza helped organize last night's event and while at Chris Madrids they met another family from Eagle Pass having lunch at the same time, which goes to show that Eagle Passans are everywhere.

The Eagle Pass Class of 1966 held their 45th Class reunion at Cha-Cha's in San Antonio. Attendance exceeded expectations as classmates contined to arrive after 7pm. Photos can be seen at EPalumni.Com's Facebook by clicking HERE.

Photo by Eagle Pass Daily

Tom Schmerber hace oficial su candidatura para Sheriff del Condado de Maverick

Written by Eagle Pass Daily
Monday, 05 September 2011 16:22

EAGLE PASS, Texas – Tom Schmerber, veterano de la Patrulla Fronteriza en Eagle Pass, anunció oficialmente este lunes su candidatura para correr para Sheriff del Condado de Maverick.

Schmerber, quien cuenta con 26 años de experiencia en el enforzamiento de la ley, estuvo acompañado de su esposa Blanca, maestra del EPISD, y su hija Nikki.

Schmerber actualmente labora como educador en la C.C. Winn High School y pide el apoyo de la comunidad en estas proximas elecciones que se llevarán a cabo en marzo del 2012. Complete article